London-Manchester flights 'boosted by train troubles'

Ongoing problems in the national rail network have boosted passenger numbers on flights between London and Manchester, according to VLM Airlines.

Train services in the West Midlands and the north-west have been severely affected by engineering work which was supposed to have been completed by New Year's Eve.

Rail routes out of London to Birmingham, Northampton, Liverpool and other locations have been disrupted, meaning that many travellers have turned to air travel.

VLM Airlines said that 2008 had got off to "a flying start", with an unexpected boost in passenger numbers between London City and Manchester Airport.

The carrier said that its return flights between London and Manchester were almost sold out on January 2nd and forward bookings on the route are also strong.

Johan Vanneste, managing director of VLM Airlines, said: "Network Rail's failure to complete engineering work has crippled rail services between London and Manchester, and we are pleased that we have attracted new customers who have been able to experience our fast and convenient service."

Disruptions to the rail system, which could see Network Rail being fined millions of pounds, came as travellers were hit by rises of up to ten per cent in ticket fares.